Attending a wedding when you’re pregnant is a very different experience. Here’s some little touches to help your expectant guests feel special.
I have something shocking to say: Your big day isn’t just about you. I know, I know. It is about you, of course, but your guest list is a carefully crafted draft sheet of the most important people in your lives. They’ll be your cheerleaders on the big day and beyond. So when it comes to planning the wedding, you’ll want to let them feel special too. Perhaps none more so than those who have to attend while pregnant.
Weddings are a double-edged sword when you’re pregnant. You love what they represent and want to support the happy couple, but your swollen feet, inability to drink and lethargy tend to be a bit of a buzz kill. So there’s a few things to consider to help your pregnant guests feel fabulous.
1. Wedding mocktails
Most weddings will involve a drink or two (or three or four) so the prospect of a sober wedding can be daunting. Whether it’s Mocktails in the drinks reception, virgin aperitifs on the table or hot chocolates to round off the evening - whatever drinks you decide to serve throughout the day - having non-alcoholic alternatives available will help all guests feel part of the festivities.
2. A little something from Bride to Bump
Ok, so they’re still in their Mummy’s tummy, but bumps are guests too. Providing a little token wedding favour ‘for the baby’ (read ‘for Mummy’ if it’s chocolate) is a nice touch that will forever be appreciated by their parents.
3. Guest parasols for hot weddings
Overheating is a big problem for growing bumps and their Mummies. If hot weather is forecast and your ceremony or reception is outdoors, providing parasols or a shaded area will give much needed protection from the heat. Make sure there’s also plenty of water available for all of your guests if it’s set to be a scorcher. Hand fans can also be a nice touch and given out as favours.
4. A chill out lounge
There’s nothing stopping pregnant ladies from taking to the dancefloor (unless it all gets a bit too rowdy) but providing a chill out lounge to ease the strain and escape the perils of the Highland Fling will be appreciated (and help ease the peer pressure from drunken buddies to take to the floor).
5. Baby’s first wedding pictures
Why not include ‘Bump’ in your wedding pictures. Make a big deal of the fact that it’s baby’s first wedding, hold a heart-shaped frame over the bump and strike a pose. Your guests will love showing baby pictures of all of their ‘firsts’, and your wedding will be sure to make the album.
6. Include Bump in the speeches
There are a lot of thank yous to be made during the wedding speeches, so make a point of thanking the parents for coming and saying how special it is that Bump has turned up too.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your guests feel good. It’s all of the small thoughtful details that make the day special.
Image credit: Laura Thorne